ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Entering this season, senior Emily McDonough already was known as one of the top players in St. Bonaventure softball program history. Now, she can be known simply as the Bonnies Hit Queen.

With a pair of hits at La Salle in the second game of a doubleheader on April 10, McDonough broke the Bonnies career hits record that had stood since 1999 as she recorded the 179th hit of her time in Brown and White.

She finished the day's action with 180 career hits, surpassing the longstanding record of 178 set by Jen Bovee between 1996-99. Bovee now is in the St. Bonaventure Athletics Hall of Fame.

A steady, stellar performer for the Bonnies since arriving on campus, McDonough is hitting .379 with 33 hits thus far on the spring. She recorded 52 hits and finished at .391 a season ago following 37 hits for a .394 batting average two years ago. McDonough began her career with 58 hits for a .330 batting average during her freshman season.

The Bonnies' left-handed swinging shortstop came to St. Bonaventure after receiving numerous accolades including All-State honors while playing at Marlboro High School near Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Head coach Mike Threehouse knew that McDonough possessed the talent to be an impact player for the Bonnies, but that her willingness to work at her craft has set her apart.

McDonough already owns the school's all-time stolen bases record as well with 81.

"Emily is an extreme talent," Threehouse said. "Not only that, she is one of the hardest workers you will find. I keep telling her that she is one of the best players I've ever coached, but now she is probably the best player. Her work ethic is what has set her over the top."

Now the owner of one of the Bonnies longest standing records, she has another month to add to the mark.

"It's a big deal," Threehouse said. "There are 295 Division I teams in the country and she owns one of those all-time hit records. We saw the talent when we recruited her, and we knew the future that she could have. But, many kids could have that kind of future and they're not able to make it real. Emily has been able to make it real."

The Bonnies return home to Joyce Field on Saturday, April 16 vs. UMass in an Atlantic 10 doubleheader. McDonough will be honored prior to the start of the first game.

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